KAITLIN D.

Prior to joining CFTBL what was your athletic background?
Before I joined CFTBL, I considered myself a pretty intense athlete. I played competitive soccer throughout high school and college. I was always willing to try new things, and went through the various fads, Bikram yoga, lifting at the gym, running, Zumba- always with no results. I missed the competitive edge, and the group camaraderie that the sports teams always fostered but at the same time didn’t want to just get stuck playing CO-ed soccer or women’s soccer.

How did you hear about us and what were your expectations prior to joining?
Facebook stalking led me to CFTBL. My wedding photographer had actually taken pictures of a recent competition she had done, and pictures of some of the women at her box in the area. I messaged her and asked what it was, it looked awesome. The women were strong and they looked intense and committed. When she told me it was called CrossFit, and I did a little research, I found CFTBL was going to be opening a mile from my work, and was so excited to try it out. I spoke with Jeremy over the phone for an hour, and he pretty much told me what it was about, and then I came in and took a tour. When I showed up for the tour, Sarah Feeney was running a class, and I took one look at her and was like “damn, I want to look like her!” It was intimidating and exciting at the same time. I knew that I would probably like it, but had no idea how much it would really change my life at that point in July.

How long have you been a member and what has your experience been like so far?
I have been a member since the beginning really, August, when CFTBL opened. The CrossFit community is amazing in itself, it’s funny how many people are involved or want to be involved in Crossfit. But I truly think we have the best box in the area. The members here are truly
devoted, hardworking, driven, intense, and awesome athletes. Everyone not only gets along, but they root each other on, they push each other to move faster, or lift more. It is in no way a pretentious “gym”; it’s like a home, where we come to catch up on the weekly gossip and where we have all truly developed friendships. Our friendships have even moved beyond the gym, which makes us all the more supportive in the box. No matter what the age, athletic level, or prior experience, it’s an awesome thing to see how our members welcome anyone, and those people then become part of our family at CFTBL.

What do you think about our instructors / owners?
Our instructors rock. They are truly elite athletes, and amazing people. They all are different in the way they coach, the WOD’s they develop and certainly their personalities, but that’s what makes each day more of a surprise. They are there to listen to our “girl gossip” and definitely spend time keeping us on track, and sometimes joining in with the banter. But when the clock starts, they push us, coach us and support us. The fact that these guys take the time out of their super busy work schedules to be here with us, makes it that much better as a member. This isn’t their fulltime job, although they are running a business, they care about their members and our progress, they know us not only by name, but they know about us as people and athletes. They are fostering a unique and amazing box, which I absolutely think people will love.

Would you recommend us to your family and friends?
My family and friends are so sick of me talking about CrossFit! It’s like an obsession they say. But I know that without trying it out, and making a commitment it’s hard to describe the way it changes you. Physically I’m stronger, and yet at the same time I’ve met a great group of people I would have never known otherwise. It has improved my self esteem, and it’s something that I make sure I make time for no matter how long the day is between work and home commitments. I’m pretty sure I recommend CrossFit to not only friends and family but coworkers, and strangers!

What would you say to someone apprehensive about coming in and/or joining?
Trying anything new is scary. But the only way to know if you will fall in love is to bite the bullet and try. The biggest misconception people have is they have to be “in shape” to start. And let me say, you will never be in shape enough for this to be easy, 2 months, 5 months and I’m sure a year, it’s never easy, and I wouldn’t want it to be. However, the progress you make, the strength you develop absolutely makes the apprehension at the beginning worth it. It truly is a place where no one judges, and everyone encourages. So you just have to take a leap of faith and start. That’s all it comes down to.

JANEE G.

Prior to joining CFTBL what was your athletic background?
Played sports growing up through high school – basketball, tennis, soccer. Been doing mostly running for the past 10 years – 3 marathons and about a dozen half marathons. Got into triathlons about a year and half ago – sprint distance through half ironman.

How did you hear about us and what were your expectations prior to joining?
I had a friend telling me to try it out for about a year – found CFTBL through the Crossfit main site. I thought I was in good shape prior to joining so I expected it to be pretty easy for me. Was I ever WRONG – the 8 minute WOD I did at the open house was quite a wake up call! I was shocked at how out-of-shape I felt.

How long have you been a member and what has your experience been like so far?
I joined when CFTBL opened and it has been awesome so far! Most of the Olympic lifting is new to me and I love it. I lifted weights in the past – but nothing like we do in Crossfit – I never tried to do a 1 rep max of anything before Crossfit – I was like most people and did 4 sets of 10 curls, squats, etc and called it a workout!

My experience has been great so far – I’m so much stronger and a better all-around athlete. The coaches push farther than I would ever push myself and I have seen great results.

What do you think about our instructors / owners?
I really like all the coaches – everyone has great knowledge of the lifts etc and pushes me through great WOD’s. It’s obvious to me that all the owners are very passionate about giving the members the best experience/training possible. You guys are always excited to help us work on our technique and form or accommodate our requests. I feel really comfortable with everyone and am never intimidated to ask for extra help.

Would you recommend us to your family and friends?
Absolutely! I try to get everyone I know to come to CFTBL! I have had such a great experience and I want everyone to try it.

What would you say to someone apprehensive about coming in and/or joining?
I tell people to just give it a try and they will be amazed – you don’t have to be a super athlete to do it, people of all fitness levels are there. I know it can seem intimidating, but the coaches are great and will help you through it.

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